HDFA is guided by a volunteer Board of Australians with experience across education, community development, governance, business, finance, legal and fundraising.
Every Board member gives their time freely. No directors are paid, in line with AusAID and DFAT best practice.
The Board sets HDFA’s strategic direction, ensures strong governance and keeps the organisation grounded in its founding values: humility, partnership and long-term commitment.
HDFA founder Duncan Chessell visiting the communities devastated by the 2015 Earthquake.
Our Board
Chair & Co-Founder
Andrew is a qualified educator working in senior leadership roles in Australia. He has been a frequent visitor to Nepal since 2001 and has worked in community-development in many parts of remote Nepal since 2012.
His experience in place-based development in Nepal and broader expertise in education is a valuable combination for the communities we work with.
Co-Founder, Board Member & Volunteer CEO
Duncan is one of Australia’s most experienced high-altitude mountaineers, with more than 40 Himalayan expeditions and three Everest summits.
Duncan’s long-standing relationships across Eastern Nepal since 1995 and practical operational leadership guide HDFA’s on-the-ground work and partnerships.
He also brings extensive governance and corporate experience as a Managing Director and Chairman of various ASX-listed mineral exploration companies and not-for-profit board roles.
Board Member & Co-Founder
Chris is an experienced advisor across finance, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.
He brings strong governance, risk management and strategic fundraising expertise to the Board.
Chris helps build HDFA’s sustainability through donor engagement, corporate networks and sound financial oversight.
Treasurer
Ed is a Chartered Accountant with senior experience across governance, finance and risk management in both public and private sectors. He has worked in the UK, Asia and Australia and is has trekked many times in Nepal.
He oversees HDFA’s financial systems, ensuring the organisation remains transparent, accountable and financially robust.
Board Member
Ella is a corporate and corporate lawyer with expertise in governance, regulatory compliance and organisational advisory.
Ella has visited HDFA projects Nepal and she supports HDFA with strong legal guidance and strategic oversight.
Secretary
Bonnie is a corporate lawyer specialising in governance, compliance and organisational risk.
She supports HDFA’s policy development, regulatory obligations and board operations, helping ensure the organisation is well-run, well-documented and aligned with best practice.
Our Partners in Nepal
Great partnerships make great outcomes. We’re proud to work with local organisations who bring deep expertise, local leadership and a shared vision for children’s futures.
PHASE Nepal is a respected Nepali organisation specialising in remote community development, health and education support. They bring deep expertise in maternal care, hygiene, community health awareness, school engagement and local capacity building. PHASE helps ensure HDFA projects strengthen the everyday conditions children need to learn and thrive.
KBSS is a long-standing community organisation with deep relationships throughout the Kanchenjunga region. They provide local coordination, cultural connection, community mobilisation and on-the-ground leadership. Their guidance ensures HDFA’s work is shaped by community priorities and grounded in local knowledge.
HDFA’s agroecology partner in Eastern Nepal. They train farmers in orchard care, soil health, composting and regenerative agriculture, and run the region’s first Agriculture Knowledge Centre and biofertiliser factory. AHF creates practical pathways to food security, income and future employment through the emerging Agroecology Institute.
The Phaktanglung Rural Municipality is HDFA’s government partner for Eastern Nepal Rising. They co-lead planning, co-fund priority activities and help coordinate long-term improvements across 38 schools. Their involvement ensures the project is locally owned, aligned with municipal goals and built for long-term sustainability.
